Public feedback invited on new bus network for the North Shore

Transformation of Auckland’s public transport network is underway, and from 2 June to 13 July feedback is open on proposed changes for the North Shore.

Rapid buses on the busway, new frequent services across the North Shore, improved neighbourhood services to get to the busway, and a simpler, more connected network are some of the features included in the proposed changes.

“The New Network will shift us to a completely new way of operating,” says Anthony Cross, Public Transport Network Manager. “Rather than just making modifications to bus routes here and there, we’re addressing the structure as a whole.”

For the North Shore, this means making the Northern busway more accessible to more people, and also increasing the number of local and Auckland-wide destinations you can travel to once you get to a busway station.

“It’s about increasing the freedom of where you can go and what you can do with public transport,” he says.

“Our current network isn’t built for transfers, which limits the number of destinations you can travel to easily. It’s also focused on catering to commuter travel, with frequent services running during morning and evening peak. The changes we’re proposing will overcome these limitations, by providing services that are designed to connect with each other, a new zonal fare system, as well as high frequency services that run all day, every day.”

This includes four new frequent services proposed for key routes across the North Shore. These buses will run at least every 15 minutes between7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, so passengers can simply ‘turn up and go’, even on the weekend. The Frequent Network will be supported by Connector and Local services, with lower frequencies appropriate to passenger demand.

The launch of the North Shore New Network is planned for 2017, however the time for feedback is now.

“Public feedback is crucial to creating a network that benefits Aucklanders,” says Anthony. “We’re asking people to look beyond their personal journey and weigh the benefits of the New Network as a whole, however we need to know if the new services will get you where you need to go.

“Now’s the time we can make changes – once the New Network is implemented it will be much harder.”

North Shore residents will receive a copy of the consultation brochure with a map in their mail box. Feedback can be given online, at a public information event or by completing the form in the brochure and mailing it back.

For more information on the North Shore consultation visit www.AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork.

The New Network is a region-wide public transport network that will change the way people travel. It will include Frequent, Connector, Local and Peak services. The Frequent Network will have buses and trains at least every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week.

ENDS

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